New Xbox update filters out background noise in Party Chat
Xbox Insiders can try out a new feature that makes it easier to hear other players within Party Chat.
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What you need to know
Microsoft shipped a new Xbox Insider build to the Alpha Skip-Ahead ring this week. The update brings consoles to version 2208.220509-2200 and includes a new feature that should improve Party Chat. Microphone inputs can now go through a noise suppression step to reduce background noise, which should result in clearer audio.
Noise suppression is enabled by default within the build, but you can disable it if you’d prefer. Occasionally, features aimed at reducing background noise can distort voices or affect other audio, so it may be worth disabling the feature, especially while it’s in testing. When it’s turned on, the feature should make it easier to hear your friends within a Party Chat when using one of thebest Xbox Series X or S headsets.
Here’s what’s new, according to theupdate’s changelog:
We’ve enabled a new feature which will process your microphone input through a noise suppression step to help produce cleaner audio in your Party Chat session. The setting is enabled by default but can be toggled from the dropdown options menu.
Our friends over atTechRadarfocus on the fact that this feature should reduce the sounds made by noisy breathers and loud chewers. Microsoft doesn’t specifically mention which background noises will be reduced during Party Chat sessions, so there are no promises that munching and crunching will be silenced.
The latest Alpha Skip-Ahead build also includes a long list of fixes for networking, audio, controllers, and several other parts of the console. You can run through all of improvements inMicrosoft’s changelog for the update.
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Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
